Proceeding ISETH (International Summit on Science, Technology, and Humanity)
2025: Proceeding ISETH (International Summit on Science, Technology, and Humanity)

Sarcastic Humor and Digital Identity: A Case Study of TikTok @rayeandrepila As a Representation of Gen Z Culture

Najwa Azzuro (Universitas '
Aisyiyah Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Aug 2026

Abstract

The current growth of TikTok increasingly encouraging Gen Z to construct their identities through creative content, one of which is sarcastic humor. Previous studies tended to analyze humor only in terms of verbal-technical aspects, general impression management process, or popular culture representation separately without directly connecting to sarcastic language style on specific platforms. This gap what becomes the research gap and the novelty of this study, aiming to analyze how sarcastic humor in TikTok content by @rayeandrepila represent the digital cultural identity of Gen Z. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach through digital observation from July to December 2025, integrating dramaturgy theory by Erving Goffman, play-mirth theory by Leonidas Hatzithomas, and representation theory by Stuart Hall. The research results three main findings. First, the account @rayeandrepila is not just a tool for strategic communication, but rather a space for expression, especially on TikTok, with a consciously planned curation process in building a consistent and relatable front stage. Second, the humor mechanism works beyond adaptive cognitive processes, where humor operates as a playful turn that combines macro-structural issues with Gen Z micro-personal experiences, turning serious problems into narratives that are easier to digest. Third, constructivist analysis shows a cultural ambivalence related to this sarcastic humor, where humor serves as a tool for social critique and symbolic resistance against the system. The study concludes that integrating these theories successfully explains the dynamic relationship between sarcastic humor production, digital identity management, and Gen Z negotiation of social anxiety within the TikTok ecosystem.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

iseth

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Engineering Medicine & Pharmacology Social Sciences Other

Description

The International Summit on Science, Technology and Humanity (ISETH) is organised by Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. This summit aims to provide a platform for researchers and academics to share their research findings with others and meet lecturers and researchers from other institutions and to ...